Lima, Ohio

Fino Joseph Cecala, age 69, passed away at 1:46 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023, at his beloved home surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Fino was born June 9, 1953, in Lima, OH, to the late Joseph Anthony Cecala and Virginia “Gena” (Guagenti) Cecala CaJacob. On October 19, 1996, he married the love of his life, Cheryl “Cheri” (Osburn) Cecala.

Fino was a 1971 graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School. He was partner of C & G Distributing Company Inc. and an owner of Fino’s Restaurant. Fino loved the Lima community and was a member of many local groups, organizations, and services clubs. He was a member of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association (NRA), The Safari Club International, CIAO of Lima, Pheasants Forever, Cairo Sportsman Club, Rockwell Springs Trout Club, Wholesale Beer and Wine Association of Ohio, National Beer Wholesaler Association, Knights of Columbus #2661, and a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Fino loved to be outside and enjoyed snow skiing, fishing, hunting, boating, and landscaping. He was an avid fan of Ohio State Buckeye football. Above all, Fino loved all those he knew and was a dedicated family man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife and partner of 33 years, Cheri Cecala of Lima; children, Joseph James Cecala of Arvada, CO, Carmen (Michael Wells) Cecala-Wells of Lima, Nicholas J. Cecala of Lima, Jessica (Tyler) Kroeger of Lima, Ellie (Ethan O’Connor) Cecala of Cincinnati, OH, and Matthew C. Cecala of Lima; grandchildren, Rocco, Celia, Kayleigh, Keaton, Kolin, and Kal; sisters, Connie (Gary) Konst of Lenior City, TN, Dona (Mark) Kaufman of Findlay, OH, Cynthia (Tom) Smiegelski of Ann Arbor, MI; sister-in-law, Deborah Osburn of Lima; brother-in-law, Brian (Lori) Osburn of Wake Forest, NC; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; his C & G work family, his Iowa hunting buddies, his Big Green family from Ottoville; and his beloved K-9 friends, Bitsy, Georgie, Daisey, Pepper, Bella, and Slick.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his stepfather, Dr. Gene CaJacob, and in-laws, Charles “Chuck” and Judith “Judie” Osburn.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his caregivers, Mona, Mary, Jenny, Caroline, and Jess for the love and care shown to Fino and his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2200 W Elm St, Lima, OH 45805. Father Kent Kaufman will officiate the service. Entombment of cremated remains will follow in Gethsemani Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, prior to the Mass at CHILES – LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and any Lima Catholic School or Parish.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.